Coronavirus Information
Classrooms and instruction
Face-to-face classes converting to remote classes
The student can ask, but professors are not required to make this accommodation unless it is an accommodation for a student with a disability.
Remote teaching while unwell
You would need to work with Human Resources regarding an accommodation for this. If your class is currently assigned as in-person, you are expected to teach in person.
Social distancing and enforcement
At this time, social distancing requirements have been removed. Masks are not required in most indoors spaces. There may be other protective measures in place such as frequently washing hands. Professors can maintain social distancing in their class if they choose. You can watch a short video on a classroom example of social distancing. Anyone can report a violation to Student Conduct or Human Resources/Human Resources.
Classroom layout and safety equipment
The university will continue to provide free masks at these eight locations:
- Alumni Visitor Center | Info desk at main entrance
- Building 12 | Housing Office
- Building 47 | Student Service Center lobby
- Library | First floor
- Otter Sports Center | Info desk at main entrance
- Otter Student Union | Info desk at main entrance
- Promontory Housing Office | Building B
- University Center
Constraints on pedagogy and group settings
Physical distancing is not currently required. Face coverings are not required in most indoor spaces. Shared objects and surfaces can be disinfected between users. (Wipes are available for order by departments.)
No lists of vaccinated and unvaccinated students permitted
Because of a variety of constitutional, federal, and state privacy laws, including FERPA and the California Medical Privacy Act, faculty do not get to know who is vaccinated and who is not. They do not get to know any medical information about students, including the underlying basis of an exemption request, if any. The only information faculty should be provided are specific accommodation requirements for specific students who have received an approved exemption. There should be no lists created with the names of those who are not vaccinated.
Asking students if they are vaccinated
If students volunteer information about their vaccination status to the faculty member, without being pressured or asked by the faculty, then that is up to them. Faculty should not use or track any volunteered information, and they should never ask.
Faculty notification of infected students
The student or the Care Team Exposure Tracing Analyst will inform the faculty member that a student will be out of their in-person course for two weeks. The student will work with the professor to make up or complete the class remotely if that is an option. Any individuals in the class will hear directly from an Exposure Tracing Analyst to follow up on the nature of the contact.
Faculty will receive email notification from Human Resources of all positive cases in their classroom. This notice complies with OSHA’s current COVID-19 employee notification guidelines, which aligns with the California Department of Public Health’s Close Contact.
Disability accommodations
SDR will work with students and professors to ensure accommodations are made for students.
Attendance for the purpose of exposure tracing
Instructors need to maintain an accurate attendance record for in-person class sessions. The County Health Department performs contact tracing, and the campus performs on-campus exposure tracing. Each person and their on-campus contacts will be interviewed to identify close contacts and give direction. UP/University Corporation HR will contact employees, and CHS/HWS will contact students. We encourage faculty to have assigned seating. In the instance that there is a positive student, it will be easier to determine who had close contact.
Schedule adjustments for cleaning between classes
Individuals can wipe/disinfect surfaces between classes. Employees can wipe the individual work surfaces they contact, and students can wipe the areas they contact. Supplies may be ordered by departments.
Course modality
Any change in modality must be made by an appropriate administrator. Faculty who want to change a modality must consult with their Dean and Chair.
In-person and virtual instruction
Classes for the fall will be a mix of in-person, hybrid, and virtual. For specific class questions, check the schedule of classes. It will indicate the mode of instruction. Students can also ask their academic advisor. Students enrolled in hybrid alternating and hybrid concurrent delivery courses will need to check with the course instructor to find out when or if they need to attend class in person.
Safety guidelines — communication to students
Signage is posted and may change over time. Everyone should read and understand the signage on doors and in rooms. Email is the official means of communication at CSUMB, check your email often for updates.
Fees
Campus mandatory fees are not subject to refund or the ability to opt-out. These fees generally cover fixed and other costs that the university continues to incur during the pandemic to finance, maintain, and operate student facilities and services (many of which remain available to students via remote access). Examples of these costs include ongoing administrative costs like employee salaries (including many student workers), overhead costs like utilities, repair and maintenance, and construction debt for some facilities.
Students pay campus mandatory fees regardless of whether they are a full-time student, part-time student, online student, or a student studying abroad even if they do not expect to ever use the programs or facilities they support. We hope that students understand that if they want the facilities and services to be available to them, these must be supported and maintained.
Tuition
The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. The learning outcomes and pedagogy for courses are still the same and have high standards for learning in person or in a virtual environment. Additionally, the cost of instruction is the same whether we have classes online or in person as the bulk of the cost of instruction is the cost of professors. CSUMB as a state university is subsidized by the state government and is therefore a very good value for the education you are receiving. Tuition does not cover the full cost of education.
At this time, we do not anticipate a change in the tuition fee structure. If there is a change, that will come at the CSU system level as the Board of Trustees sets all campus fees. Out-of-state and international students’ education costs are not subsidized by the state, which is why they have to pay the full cost of tuition.
Financial aid
Financial aid awards should be posted to students’ OASIS accounts. All financial aid awards are accepted online through the Dashboard. Be sure to review your Financial Aid Award Notice and the steps to access OASIS via the Dashboard. To receive your funds, you must accept your awards, complete required steps for Direct Stafford Loans (if applicable), maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, and for most programs, be enrolled at least half-time.
To ensure receipt of all funds offered, please read and respond promptly to the financial aid award notification. If you have specific questions, you can email the Financial Aid Office.
Studying and accessing internet on campus
If you intend to be present on campus you must comply with our vaccination requirements. The library, Otter Student Union, and your regular favorite study spots are available for use.
Spaces available for students to use Zoom between face-to-face classes
The cafe area of the library is available for study and includes about a dozen computers. The library is exploring the possibility of extending the hours of the cafe beyond 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday. Details are still pending. Students can reserve study rooms in the library for up to two hours. Students can also use general spaces in the library. [buttons] General library FAQs | New student library FAQs
Students may use vacant classrooms to study, but they will need to leave if a student comes in for a scheduled class. Students may also reserve study rooms in the OSU. Call the OSU’s information desk at 831-582-3329 or reserve at the OSU information desk in person. Students can use a vacant classroom.
Student support services
Some services may require appointments, and some may still do virtual appointments, but services will be available.
Organizing an event on campus — guidelines and procedures
We encourage anyone planning an event to connect with University Affairs, Ceremonies, and Events (UACE) during the planning process. There will be some protocols related to COVID-19 that may change over time. There are also specific instructions if you intend to provide food at your event.
It is essential that you have access to a suitable computing device to participate fully in your classes. Please review the specifications and the list of majors to determine the requirements for your major.
The library continues to provide computer devices to students.
For additional technology resources, the CSUMB Information Technology Department has created a list of common resources for students.